PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 55 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: Australian DFAT Child Protection Policy requirements (PSEAH and child protection minimum standards); Global Affairs Canada child protection expectations; Keeping Children Safe standards; UN CRC; complements Policy 08 (Safeguarding) and Policy 20 (PSEAH)
1. Purpose and scope
Some donors require a stand-alone child protection policy meeting their minimum standards. This policy gives that commitment in full, consistent with the Safeguarding and PSEAH policies. A child is any person under 18. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.
2. Policy
- Zero tolerance of child abuse — physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, exploitation, online abuse — by anyone acting for PHIG or its partners; all forms are reportable and lead to sanctions and referral to authorities.
- Child-safe recruitment for any role with contact with children: criminal-record checks where lawfully available, references with explicit questions on suitability to work with children, interview questions on child safety, probation.
- Child protection code of conduct signed by all such persons: two-adult rule; no unsupervised contact; no inappropriate physical contact or language; no communication through private channels; no gifts outside programme rules; no photographs without consent and never identifying a child at risk.
- Risk assessment of every activity involving children; mitigation measures; monitoring; partners and subcontractors bound to equivalent standards and assessed before engagement.
- Reporting: any concern reported within 24 hours to the Safeguarding Lead; referral to child protection services and police where a child is in danger; donor notification per requirements (DFAT within 2 working days where required); records kept securely.
- Training on induction and every two years; the Safeguarding Lead is trained in child protection case management.
- Use of children’s images and stories follows consent, dignity and anonymisation rules; no images of children in distress.
- Online safety: platforms directed at young people (where any) follow age-appropriate design and moderation.
3. Procedures
- Child protection risk assessment form; code of conduct; incident form; compliance self-assessment against DFAT minimum standards annually.
Responsibilities
Board; Safeguarding Lead; Director; every person.
Review
Annually.
Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).